Chol Marial will have to wait before he can make his collegiate debut with Maryland. The 7-foot-2 freshman will undergo surgery to repair stress fractures in both his legs, the school announced Tuesday.
Marial is expected to miss three-to-four months following the surgery which is scheduled for Sept. 4. That will mean he would miss at least the first month of the 2019-20 season and possibly more.
Marial was once tabbed the No. 1 recruit in the 2019 recruiting class, however, he was hampered with injuries in his shins. By the time he was committed to the Terrapins, Marial was ranked as low as a three-star recruit by some recruiting sites.
When healthy, Marial provides NBA-level talent from his inside game to his ability to rebound and shoot the ball. He was part of a strong 2019 recruiting class for head coach Mark Turgeon and Maryland.
“Chol battled through injuries over the last few years in high school and we are glad to find a resolution that will provide him with the proper medical care he needs,” Turgeon said in a statement released by Maryland. “Our top priority is ensuring Chol is able to not only return to the court, but lead a healthy life well beyond basketball. We are confident Chol will make a full recovery and look forward to his return.”
The South Sudan native was ranked the No. 2 player in the state of Arizona, Marial averaged 14 points, 13 rebounds, and eight blocks while at AZ Compass Prep.
Maryland has strong depth in the frontcourt that will allow them to sustain without Marial. Fellow freshman Makhi Mitchell and sophomore Jalen Smith are top candidates to play center this season. Right now, the focus is getting Marial healthy enough to get on the court to resume his playing career.
